Essential Everyday · 1 lb
Essential Everyday Rigatoni Pasta
What it is
This is a pound of rigatoni pasta, a popular dried pasta shape. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water. Rigatoni are tube-shaped with ridges on the outside. These ridges help sauces cling to the pasta. The pasta is dried, which gives it a long shelf life. It is a pantry staple for many home cooks.
How people cook with it
Rigatoni is a versatile pasta shape that works well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Its sturdy structure makes it suitable for baked dishes as well.
- Baked pasta dishes
- Hearty meat sauces
- Creamy vegetable sauces
- Pasta salads
To cook rigatoni, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta well, reserving some of the pasta water. The reserved water can be used to loosen sauces and help them emulsify. Toss the drained pasta immediately with your chosen sauce and serve.
How it differs from similar foods
Rigatoni differs from penne in its larger diameter and straight-cut ends, whereas penne is typically cut on an angle. The deep ridges on rigatoni hold thicker, chunkier sauces better than smoother pasta shapes. It is also more substantial than spaghetti or linguine.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a robust pasta shape to pair with substantial dishes will appreciate this rigatoni.
How to keep the rest
Store the unopened package of rigatoni in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry. Once opened, transfer any unused pasta to an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors or moisture. Properly stored, dried pasta can last for a very long time.